Saying Spartanburg and Cherokee counties would be hurt by his absence in Columbia, Lanny Littlejohn reversed his decision to retire from politics.

Littlejohn, R-Spartanburg, who has represented the House District 33 since 1989, said last week he would not seek reelection. But he said he changed his mind because his retirement would mean Spartanburg would lose representation on the House Ways and Means Committee. "This is just something I need to do, especially for Spartanburg County," Littlejohn said. Littlejohn's reversal complicates the candidacy of Manning Lynch, a home builder and chairman of the Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District. Lynch will announce his campaign for Littlejohn's seat today. Although Lynch said he was surprised to learn of Littlejohn's change of heart, he said it would not effect his decision to run. "I'm mystified as to why he can't make up his mind," Lynch said. "Unlike Mr. Littlejohn, I know what I'm going to do." Littlejohn and Rep. Rita Allison, R-Lyman, represent Spartanburg County on the Ways and Means Committee. Because Allison is running for Lt. Governor, she will not seek re-election to her District 36 seat this year. "To lose Littlejohn and myself on the Ways and Means Committee would be too much for Spartanburg County," Allison said. House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville, echoed that statement. "It would have been very difficult for (Spartanburg and Cherokee) counties to get another person on the Ways and Means Committee next year," Wilkins said. "Lanny's decision means that Spartanburg and Cherokee counties will have a much better chance of getting their fair share of the state budget." Spartanburg is in the midst of several key projects that require state funding, including the Renaissance Project, a $120 million downtown revitalization plan. The Commerce Department last year failed to deliver $6.5 million promised to Spartanburg to build water and sewer lines for the project. County delegation members say they are working with the Commerce Department to restore funding to the project.

Tony Taylor can be reached at 582-4511, Ext. 7219, or tony.taylor@shj.com